Alarming Rise In Speeding Cases
By Liza Mohd

Bandar Seri Begawan - The number of motorists caught speeding by the police has shown an alarming increase. Statistics compiled by the Royal Brunei Police Force for the past five years (20022007) revealed that the speeding cases have increased by almost 1,000 cases from 3,914 to 4,893 cases.

This was disclosed by Pehin Datu Kerma Setia Dato Paduka Seri Awang Zainuddin bin Jalani, Commissioner of Police, when he delivered a speech at BSP's 'Tell-A-Friend' campaign which was launched with the aim to reduce road accidents, at the Seria Oil and Gas Discovery Centre yesterday morning.

He also noted the significant number of offenders caught driving without seatbelts - 87 recorded in 2003 and 437 offenders last year, which is an increase of 300 per cent.

The use of mobile phones whilst at the wheel has also risen significantly - only three offenders were caught in 2004 but 114 were detected in 2007, which is another dangerous trend if left unchecked, he noted.

Saying that creating awareness of safe driving requires sustainable efforts from all parties concerned and stakeholders, he commended BSP's efforts in promoting and creating awareness of road safety issues.

The Police Commissioner also reminded the public that the enforcement of traffic laws by the police is meant to ensure the safety of all road users. It is the police's obligation to make sure that those who do not adhere to traffic regulations are properly dealt with to ensure the safety of other road users, he said.

Reaching out to people, and sharing and reinforcing the road safety message in a deep and personal way are the main objectives of the 'Tell-A-Friend' campaign, said BSP Managing Director. Dr Grahaeme Henderson.

The earlier two phases of the National Road Safety Campaign focused firstly on building awareness, and secondly enforcement. The 'Tell-A-Friend' campaign is the `bird phase and is about "sinking" the road safety message deeper within ourselves by sharing this with respective family members and friends so that we make a personal commitment and visible change to become safe drivers, he added.

Noting that the 'Tell-A-Friend' campaign is launched in BSP and the contractor's community, Dr Henderson expressed the hope that it will be extended to further support the government's efforts to instill the road safety message and safe driving habits among the wider community of road users.

"One lesson we learned from our experience during the awareness building and enforcement phases is that improving road safety standards has got a lot to do with changing habits and attitudes. It requires very strong commitment from everyone, right from the top, combined with a sustained effort," he noted.

"One example of success in BSP is the wearing of seat belts among 10,000 BSP and contractor employees. BSP has managed to increase compliance with the wearing of seat belts fromas low as 40 per cent about two years ago to nearly 100 per cent today."

The success lies in hard work, regular spot checks, regular educational campaigns, leadership and making sure that all directors and managers put on their seatbelts on every trip, he said.

The 'Tell-A-Friend' campaign thrives on spreading the five principles of safe driving, namely, wearing seat belts; observing speed limits; not using mobile phones while driving; using safety helmets while cycling; and using pedestrian crossings.

During the launch yesterday morning, guests watched a road safety video on the five safe driving principles and skits on road safety performed by employees from BSP and its contractors. This was followed by testimonies from two persons involved in a road accident who shared their experience and highlighted the importance of the road safety principles while driving.

At the ceremony, BSP also contributed four units of speed monitoring LED display equipment to the Royal Brunei Police Force in support of the police's effort to reduce road accidents. The portable device is used to detect speeds of passing vehicles and is also used within the BSP compound area.

BSP actively supports the initiatives of the National Road Safety Council to reduce accidents. It also vigorously pursues various in-house programmes to promote safe driving habits among its employees, including introducing mandatory vehicle inspection, speed monitoring, spot checks on seatbelt wearing and defensive driving courses for its employees. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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